Search
thyroid neoplasm (nodule)
Pathology:
1) most single thyroid nodules are benign
2) a few are carcinomas*
3) 10-20% of 'cold' nodules may be malignant, but < 1% of 'hot' nodules are malignant.
* factors increasing the likelihood of carcinoma are:
1) cervical lymphadenopathy
2) prior radiation
3) family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
4) family history of MEN 2A or MEN 2B
5) hard, fixed nodule
6) rapid growth
7) vocal cord paralysis
Genetics:
- implicated genes (see thyroid cancer & more-specific type) hemogen
Special laboratory:
- fine needle aspiration ("cold" nodules)
Radiology:
1) ultrasound for sizing & to detect cystic component
2) radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test to confirm thyroid functional state
Management:
- fine needle aspiration is indicated for all "cold" nodules
Related
radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test
Specific
anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
benign thyroid neoplasm
follicular thyroid adenoma
oncocytic thyroid adenoma; Hurthle cell adenoma
papillary thyroid adenoma
primary thyroid lymphoma
thyroid adenoma
thyroid carcinoma
General
endocrine neoplasm
thyroid disease
References
- Manual of Medical Therapeutics, 28th ed, Ewald &
McKenzie (eds), Little, Brown & Co, Boston, 1995, pg 473
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American
College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998